Goblin Valley National Monument

Goblin Valley State Park is an ideal showcase of geologic history. Exposed cliffs reveal parallel layers of rock bared by erosion. Because of the uneven hardness of sandstone, some patches resist erosion much better than others. The softer material is removed by wind and water, leaving thousands of unique, geologic goblins. Water erosion and the smoothing action of windblown dust work together to shape the goblins.

Bedrock is exposed because of the thin soil and lack of vegetation. When rain does fall, there are few plant roots and little soil to capture and hold the water, which quickly disappears, in muddy streams without penetrating the bedrock.

Cowboys searching for cattle first discovered the unique landforms found in secluded Goblin Valley. Then in the late 1920s, Arthur Chaffin, owner/operator of the Hite ferry, and two companions were searching for an alternative route between Green River and Caineville. They came to a vantage point about a mile west of Goblin Valley and were awed by what they saw, five buttes and a valley of strange-shaped rock formations surrounded by a wall of eroded cliffs.

In 1949, Chaffin returned to the area he called Mushroom Valley. He spent several days exploring the mysterious valley and photographing its scores of intricately eroded creatures. The area was acquired by the state of Utah and in 1964 was officially designated a state park.

Opened to the public as a state park in 1964.

Park Elevation – 5,000 feet

Things to Do in Goblin Valley

    1. Goblin Valley State Park in Green River, Utah
    2. Valley of Goblins Observation Point - best viewpoint to see the park and the goblin formations 
    3. Hiking
    4. Stan's Burger Shak in Hanksville, Utah
    5. John Wesley Powell River History Museum in Green River, Utah
    6. Stargazing - some ofthe best in the world

Vacation Home Lodging Accommodations Near Goblin Valley State Park

When visiting Goblin Valley State Park in southeastern Utah, be sure to stay a couple days to be able to see and do all there is to discover here. One of the best places to stay within a 90-minute drive from Goblin Valley, and the perfect "homebase" when traveling with friends, family, or groups, is our luxury Moab vacation condos at Sage Creek at Moab in Moab, Utah. Rent one luxury condo or several within Sage Creek at Moab.

Sage Creek at Moab Resort is located in Moab, a 90-minute drive from Goblin Valley State Park, offering a great option for a day trip adventure. Sage Creek offers over 100 luxurious adventure condos for rent in a gorgeous resort setting with a stunning tiered resort pool with waterfalls, grotto hot tub, clubhouse, and pool-side fire pit lounges. Sage Creek at Moab is the newest and best place to gather everyone in one place when visiting Goblin Valley in southeastern Utah. Enjoy complete privacy, while also being together for a reunion, golf trip, weekend staycation, hiking, jeeping, or offroading adventure, or a touring through all the Mighty 5 National Parks in the area. We can accommodate families and groups of all sizes big or small. Call reservations or book online above.

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